Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rapid rise and fall of grassroots internet celebrities, exemplified by "Chicken Chop Guy," highlighting the challenges of sustaining popularity and monetization in the fast-paced short video era [1][3][21]. Group 1: Rise of Grassroots Celebrities - "Chicken Chop Guy" gained significant attention during the National Day holiday, showcasing the fleeting nature of internet fame [4][10]. - The phenomenon of grassroots internet celebrities often involves a brief period of explosive popularity followed by a quick decline, as seen with "Porridge Cake Guy" who closed his shop after just six months [3][10]. - The article emphasizes the allure of ordinary individuals achieving fame, which resonates with the public [3][10]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Internet Celebrities - Many grassroots celebrities struggle with the sustainability of their content and business models, often facing a limited window of opportunity for monetization, typically lasting 3 to 6 months [12][10]. - The pressure to maintain relevance leads to a dilemma: whether to sign contracts with MCN companies, which can offer resources but may also involve risks, or to navigate the landscape independently [12][14]. - The article notes that many grassroots celebrities lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage contracts and business operations, leading to potential pitfalls [12][14]. Group 3: Strategies for Sustained Success - Successful grassroots celebrities often find ways to innovate their content and engage with their audience authentically, as demonstrated by "Deer Ha," who shifted to a more genuine persona after initial fame [15][20]. - Building a personal brand and leveraging existing skills can help in creating a sustainable business model, as seen with "Porridge Cake Guy," who transitioned to a physical store while maintaining online engagement [20][21]. - The article suggests that collaboration among grassroots celebrities can help extend their visibility and relevance, although this approach may not be a long-term solution [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "Chicken Chop Brother" in Jingdezhen, highlighting the intersection of internet celebrity culture and local tourism, as well as the pressures and responsibilities that come with sudden fame [3][4][6]. Group 1: The Rise of "Chicken Chop Brother" - "Chicken Chop Brother," a 48-year-old man, became a viral sensation during the National Day holiday, attracting long queues of customers willing to wait for hours for his chicken chop [3][4]. - His success is attributed to a combination of his humorous personality, consistent pricing over nine years, and a focus on providing emotional value to customers, particularly students [6][7]. - The phenomenon reflects a broader trend in short video platforms where ordinary individuals can achieve sudden fame through algorithm-driven exposure [6][7]. Group 2: Impact on Local Tourism - The local government quickly recognized the potential of "Chicken Chop Brother" as a tourism ambassador, appointing him as the "Cultural Tourism Promotion Officer" for Jingdezhen [3][4]. - His popularity has led to increased foot traffic and sales for local vendors, with some reports indicating that surrounding vendors' incomes doubled due to the influx of tourists [7][10]. - However, the rapid commercialization and management of the situation have raised concerns about the authenticity of the local experience, with some locals expressing a desire for the attention to shift elsewhere [13][14]. Group 3: Challenges of Internet Celebrities - The article highlights the transient nature of internet fame, noting that many viral figures, like "Chicken Chop Brother," may struggle to maintain their status and the expectations placed upon them [10][11]. - The pressure to balance being a relatable street vendor with the responsibilities of a public figure can lead to burnout and a loss of the original charm that attracted followers [11][12]. - The phenomenon of "fast fame" often results in a quick decline, as seen with other internet celebrities who have faded from public interest shortly after their peak [10][12]. Group 4: Long-term Implications for Cities - The article argues that while internet celebrities can bring immediate attention and traffic to a city, sustainable tourism requires deeper cultural engagement and genuine hospitality [14][15]. - Cities should focus on enhancing the overall visitor experience rather than relying solely on viral figures, as the latter can lead to a superficial understanding of local culture [15][16]. - The long-term appeal of a city lies in its cultural richness and the sincerity with which it treats both residents and visitors, rather than in fleeting trends [16].